Car accidents can be incredibly stressful and traumatic events. Accidents can have physical and emotional effects. They can also lead to legal and financial problems. Victims may face difficulties in seeking compensation for their injuries and damages.
Personal injury lawyers help accident victims secure fair settlements. Ledroit Sabo's injury attorneys in London, Ontario use a variety of tactics to influence a motor vehicle accident settlement.
1. Liability and Fault Assessment
A starting point for assessment in any car accident claim is determining liability, or “fault”. The motor vehicle accident lawyers of Ledroit Sabo begin by thoroughly collecting all evidence related to the accident.
They collect evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, police statements, and other records to determine likelihood of who was primarily liable for the accident.
Fault is not a binary. In many cases liability may be split between the parties, for example if one driver goes through a stop sign they will be primarily at fault for the accident, however if the other driver was not wearing their seat-belt that driver may be contributorily negligent for any damages they suffer.
In multi-vehicle collisions in particular, causation and fault determination can be particularly complicated to unravel.
2. Severity of Injuries
The extent and severity of injuries sustained in a car accident significantly impact the potential damages award. Our lawyers will work with medical professionals in London Ontario to who specialize in a wide variety of fields including physiatry, neurology, psychiatry and many forms of rehabilitative medicine
The more severe the injuries are, the higher the medical bills and potential long-term effects become. Ondrej Sabo, a lawyer at Ledroit Sabo, considers the emotional and mental effects of car accident injuries. The Judge at trial ultimately determines what the injuries are worth and it is vitally important to have the best qualified and experienced experts present the medical opinions.
3. Damages and Losses
Accident victims may face more than just medical costs. They may also experience property damage, lost income, and reduced future earning ability. As motor vehicle accident (MVA) lawyers, we assess all potential losses which can be reasonably attributed to the MVA.
“General” Damages are non-economic damages categorized in broad terms such as pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. These are damages such as pain and suffering which are impossible to quantify with precision. They are also unique to the particular individual. The loss of a pinky finger may cause much more pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life to a professional pianist than to a professional soccer player.
Non-pecuniary damages are another term for these damages. In certain cases where the injuries sustained by the victim are severe, these damages may be quite significant. The General damages and impact must be assessed on an individual basis.
4. Insurance Policy Limits
The insurance limits of the person responsible and the victim are important in deciding how much money is paid. A skilled car accident law firm will review these limits. They do this to ensure that the victim receives the maximum compensation permitted by the policy.
In Ontario most people have $1,000,000 in liability policy limits. Many insurers also offer $2,000,000 in policy limits, however even though the cost of this increased coverage is typically very minimal, most Ontario drivers opt for only $1,000,000 in coverage.
If the person who caused the accident doesn't have sufficient insurance, the lawyer might explore alternative methods of obtaining compensation. This could involve filing a claim with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
5. Negotiation Skills
Successful settlement negotiations require a strong understanding of personal injury law. The personal injury lawyer needs experience in negotiating with insurance companies. They also need to effectively use the facts and evidence of the case.
At Ledroit Sabo, we use expert negotiation skills to push for a fair settlement on behalf of our clients. Our car accident lawyers are skilled at countering low-ball offers and advocating for their clients' best interests. In many cases, when the insurance company fails to make a reasonable offer to settle, this means showing a willingness to move forward to trial.
6. Preparing for Trial
Often, the threat of going to trial can significantly influence the settlement negotiations. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our lawyers are always prepared to take your case to court. This readiness can pressure the opposing party into making a more reasonable settlement offer to avoid the uncertainty and costs of a trial.
Let the experienced personal injury lawyers at Ledroit Sabo advocate for your rights following a car accident
Car accidents can be devastating, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. In such difficult times, it is crucial to have experienced personal injury lawyers like Paul Ledroit and Ondrej Sabo by your side. Skilled attorneys understand the complexities of personal injury law and are dedicated to advocating for your rights.
When it comes to securing fair settlements, preparation is key. Ledroit Sabo's lawyers are well-versed in the art of trial preparation. They leave no stone unturned, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts to build a strong case. This meticulous approach sends a clear message to the insurance company: we are ready to fight for our clients in court if necessary.
The mere mention of a trial can often prompt the opposing party to reconsider their stance. They understand that going to court entails uncertainty and significant costs. As a result, they may be more inclined to offer a reasonable settlement to avoid the potential risks associated with a trial.
Ledroit Sabo's personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of success in negotiating settlements. They have a deep understanding of the tactics employed by insurance companies to minimize payouts. Armed with this knowledge, they skillfully navigate the negotiation process, ensuring that their clients receive the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, don't face the aftermath alone. Contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Ledroit Sabo and let them fight for the fair settlement you deserve. With their dedication, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to justice, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands.
We are ready to assist you if you require a personal injury lawyer in London.
The content on this website is for information purposes only and is not legal advice, which cannot be given without knowing the facts of a specific situation. You should never disregard professional legal advice or delay in seeking legal advice because of something you have read on this website. The use of the website does not establish a solicitor and client relationship. If you would like to discuss your specific legal needs with us, please contact our office at (519) 432-9051 and one of our lawyers will be happy to assist you.
